2016 mini cooper-paceman Model Overview

New for 2016

On the 2016 Mini Paceman, a few options have been discontinued including the City, Technology, and Loaded packages. The Paceman JCW is now available with the Fully Loaded package while the Light Coffee exterior pain has been discontinued.

Vehicle Summary

The 2016 Mini Paceman is the two-door variant of the Countryman small crossover. Front-wheel drive in the base and S models while all-wheel drive is available in the S and standard in the JCW trim.

Overview

Two engines are available in the 2016 Paceman, a 121-hp 1.6-liter I-4 with 114 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 rated at 181 hp and 177 lb-ft in the S and 208 hp and 207 lb-ft in the JCW. Both engines can be paired to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Fuel economy is competitive for the class with the base Paceman achieving 27/34 mpg city/highway with the manual and 25/30 mpg with the automatic. Opting for the Paceman S doesn’t come with a big hit in fuel economy with manual-equipped variants rated at 26/32 mpg while automatic models can achieve up to 25/32 mpg. Opting for all-wheel drive in the Paceman S or the Paceman JCW drops fuel economy down to 25/31 mpg with the manual and 23/30 mpg with the automatic.

Unlike the four-door Countryman, the two-door Paceman can only accommodate four passengers because it uses two bucket seats instead of a bench. Cargo space isn’t very generous for a hatch, with up to 11.7 cubic feet when split-folding rear seats are up and 38.1 cubic feet when they’re down.

Safety

In addition to the standard dual front, front-side and side curtain airbags, the 2016 Paceman also comes with a knee airbag for the front passenger.

Trims, Packages, and What’s Standard

Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, front sport seats, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth, and HD radio. The range-topping JCW model comes standard with all-wheel drive, a more aggressive sport suspension setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an aero kit. A sport suspension is available in the base and S trim as a no cost option.

Options such as navigation, rear parking sensors and a Harman Kardon audio system can be had as part of a package or alone. However, certain features require the selection of a package or another option in order to get something without the package its part of. There’s also an extensive list of customization options, including alloy wheels up to 19-inches in diameter, contrasting roof colors, Union Jack side mirrors, racing stripes, and plaid seat patterns.

What We Think

Essentially a more stylish Countryman, the 2016 Paceman is more of a fun-to-drive lifestyle vehicle. In a 2014 First Drive review, we said that while the Paceman doesn’t have the same reflexes as the smaller Mini Hardtop, it remains engaging on a twisty road. However, the crossover’s exterior design eats into interior space, meaning that there’s less cargo space than in the four-door Countryman. Headroom is also reduced due to the sloping roofline, making it good only for short trips.

Cool Fact

The 2016 Paceman’s 1.6-liter engines were co-developed with PSA Peugeot-Citroen and are now used in high-performance models such as Peugeot’s 208 GTI, 308 GTI, and RCZ R.